How to Use a Mock Interview to Boost Your Job Search

Looking for ways to make a great impression on potential employers? Hone your presentation skills through a mock interview. You have plenty to gain through these practice sessions.

“Frankly, most of us are not used to talking about ourselves, and it is especially challenging to talk about our goals and background, and how our experience relates to specific opportunities,” says Dale Austin, director of the Career Development Center at Hope College. “Through practicing, candidates gain confidence in expressing key ideas and perspectives. They learn through mock interviews how to communicate specific examples that can demonstrate how their background can meet effectively the needs of an employer.”

Whether you’re trying to land your first job or your tenth, consider the following when making a mock interview part of your job-seeking strategy:

Choosing an Interviewer

Obviously, working with a career coach or other trained professional can be a major plus. They know what types of questions employers likely will ask and have a knowledgeable eye for spotting potential weaknesses in your answers and delivery. They can give you focused attention and may have strategies for immediate improvement.

For instance, Ryan Brechbill, director of the Center for Career and Professional Development at Otterbein University, notes that when conducting mock interviews with students preparing to go on the market, his staff emphasizes the learning aspect. “Before we begin the practice interview, we let them know that they can call a ‘timeout’ at any time to discuss/process the question and their response, and we, as the interviewers, may also do to the same, with the goal that concerns and constructive feedback can be shared at the moment the student begins to struggle or is uncertain how to respond to a question.”

College career offices also often provide free or low-cost services to alumni. Industry organizations and job support networks at your local library or community center may likewise be an alternative to hiring a private career counselor. Colleagues, friends, and family members also can stand in as interviewers. Ask them to pepper you with perennial favorites (“Tell me about yourself”), as well as not-so-standard questions that encourage thinking on your feet.

Making the Most of the Process

Regardless of who conducts the mock interview, record or (preferably) film it. Reviewing is essential to improving. As Austin notes, “Many times candidates will be quite surprised to hear the number of ‘verbalisms’ like ‘um,’ ‘ah,’ and ‘well’ that they express unknowingly in the interview. They also pick up on unfavorable non-verbal cues, like rocking in their chair, fidgeting, and poor eye contact that can impact the outcome of an interview and result in not receiving a job offer.”

As you would for an actual interview, spend some time beforehand thinking about what makes you a good fit for specific jobs. Brechbill encourages interviewees to come in to mock interviews having identified the top three things they must share during their interview conversation—the most important and distinct examples the interviewer should walk away knowing. Having this information top of mind enables a candidate to practice weaving the responses.

Don’t get discouraged if at first you feel somewhat ill at ease during mock interviews. The great thing about them is that they can be repeated until a candidate gains competence and confidence. Consider mock interviews a no-pressure zone where you can experiment with ways to present your best self. Soon you might find talking about yourself becoming second nature, making actual interviews much less nerve-wracking!